]]>It’s a potentially fatal (and far too common) scenario: An otherwise functional smoke alarm is rendered ineffective when a homeowner, annoyed by an end-of-life signal or false alarm, deliberately deactivates the device by removing its batteries or removing the device altogether – thus leaving the home and everyone who lives there unprotected from the dangers of smoke and fire.

Auto Insurance Basics & More

These threats are compounded when you consider that many homes already lack sufficient protection. The Vision 20/20 Project, a fire prevention initiative of the Institution of Fire Engineers, U.S. Branch, estimates that an additional 100 million smoke alarms would need to be installed in U.S. homes to provide an adequate level of protection.*

Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 5-11) – established in 1925 and the longest running presidential proclamation in history, according to the National Fire Protection Association – just wrapped up, but the rest of October is a great time to practice fire safety before we turn up the heat when winter arrives. I recommend that you test all your alarms and, if needed, update your home with newer devices that use advanced technology to combat frequent false alarms and better detect real threats.

From decorator-friendly designs to combination smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, there are several available alarm options for your home. The newest generation of alarms with 10-year batteries are a great choice – and they are available as smoke alarms or combination smoke and CO alarms. Capable of powering the alarm for 10 years, the life of the battery provides the peace of mind of a decade of protection.

In many areas of the country, upgrading to 10-year battery smoke alarms is more than just a good idea – it’s also the law. Recently, several states, including California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Louisiana and Oregon, as well as the cities of Phoenix, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and New York City, have passed laws requiring 10-year battery smoke alarms in residential buildings. Numerous other states and municipalities are considering similar legislation. The specific residential requirements are stipulated differently by each state or city. To learn about local smoke alarm legislation in your area, check out the First Alert legislation map.

To help ensure your home is best protected from fire, as well as the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, I advise following guidelines set by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

The USFA recommends that homes have smoke alarms installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement, and one CO alarm on each level and in a central location outside each sleeping area. To put this into perspective, the average-sized home in America – a two-story, three-bedroom house – needs a minimum of five smoke alarms and four carbon monoxide alarms.

Despite the technology available, each year, three of every five home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms, the NFPA says. Therefore, I encourage you to upgrade your alarms in order to better protect yourself, your family and your home.

* Based on experience with home safety visits in communities across the U.S. – estimated range provided by TriData, a Division of System Planning Corporation.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/practice-fire-safety-in-october/feed/0Quiz: Think You’ve Got House Smarts?http://blog.allstate.com/quiz-what-is-that-thing/
http://blog.allstate.com/quiz-what-is-that-thing/#commentsWed, 24 Sep 2014 11:00:52 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=9119As a first-time home buyer, no doubt you’re encountering lots of new things all at once. From navigating confusing mortgage lingo to figuring out how everything in your place operates, there’s quite a learning curve. Take the quiz below to test your knowledge of common home features, and then download the accompanying PDFs for more […]

]]>As a first-time home buyer, no doubt you’re encountering lots of new things all at once. From navigating confusing mortgage lingo to figuring out how everything in your place operates, there’s quite a learning curve.

Take the quiz below to test your knowledge of common home features, and then download the accompanying PDFs for more information on maintaining various aspects of your new home.

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What Is That Thing?

Test your knowledge about all those “things” that keep a home humming along. Match the apparatus name to its picture, then move on to the next photo.

Water Heater

Dehumidifier

Furnace

Time Machine

Correct! That thing is a Water Heater. It turns cold water into hot water for use in showers, bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers and washing machines. Not sure how to maintain a water heater? Get some helpful info here.

Incorrect! That thing is a Water Heater. It turns cold water into hot water for use in showers, bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers and washing machines. Not sure how to maintain a water heater? Get some helpful info here.

What Is That Thing?

Test your knowledge about all those “things” that keep a home humming along. Match the apparatus name to its picture, then move on to the next photo.

Sewer Ejector Pump

Washer Reservoir

Indoor Oil Rig

Sump Pump

Correct! That thing is a Sump Pump, which helps to keep excess water from penetrating your home’s foundation and basement. Click here for maintenance tips.

Incorrect! That thing is a Sump Pump, which helps to keep excess water from penetrating your home’s foundation and basement. Click here for maintenance tips.

What Is That Thing?

Test your knowledge about all those “things” that keep a home humming along. Match the apparatus name to its picture, then move on to the next photo.

Gas Line

Sump Pump

Sewer Ejector Pump

Underground Jungle Gym

Correct! That thing is a Sewer Ejector Pump. It’s installed in basements that have bathrooms or laundry rooms below the sewer line, and pumps waste into the main septic line.

Incorrect! That thing is a Sewer Ejector Pump. It’s installed in basements that have bathrooms or laundry rooms below the sewer line, and pumps waste into the main septic line.

What Is That Thing?

Test your knowledge about all those “things” that keep a home humming along. Match the apparatus name to its picture, then move on to the next photo.

Gas Feeder

Electrical Control Panel

Mothership Control Board

Telecom Circuit

Correct! That thing is the Electrical Control Panel. It consists of either fuses or circuit breakers, which act as safety devices to prevent overloading of your electrical system.

Incorrect! That thing is the Electrical Control Panel. It consists of either fuses or circuit breakers, which act as safety devices to prevent overloading of your electrical system.

What Is That Thing?

Test your knowledge about all those “things” that keep a home humming along. Match the apparatus name to its picture, then move on to the next photo.

Furnace

Water Heater

Dehumidifier

Vintage Pizza Oven

Correct! That thing is the Furnace, which is controlled by a thermostat to heat your home. As a first-time home buyer, it may be a good idea to brush up on maintenance tips for your furnace.

Incorrect! That thing is the Furnace, which is controlled by a thermostat to heat your home. As a first-time home buyer, it may be a good idea to brush up on maintenance tips for your furnace.

What Is That Thing?

Test your knowledge about all those “things” that keep a home humming along. Match the apparatus name to its picture, then move on to the next photo.

Gas Line

Toilet Shutoff Valve

Water Shutoff Valve

Secret Root Beer Tap

Correct! That thing is the Water Shutoff Valve, which is often found in the basement and can shut off water supply to the house during repairs or emergencies.

Incorrect! That thing is the Water Shutoff Valve, which is often found in the basement and can shut off water supply to the house during repairs or emergencies.

What Is That Thing?

Test your knowledge about all those “things” that keep a home humming along. Match the apparatus name to its picture, then move on to the next photo.

Toilet Shutoff Valve

Wall-to-Wall Espresso Machine

Water Shutoff Valve

Electric Shutoff Valve

Correct! That thing is the Toilet Shutoff Valve, which is typically located on the wall below the tank, and can shut off water supply during repairs or overflow emergencies.

Incorrect! That thing is the Toilet Shutoff Valve, which is typically located on the wall below the tank, and can shut off water supply during repairs or overflow emergencies.

What Is That Thing?

Test your knowledge about all those “things” that keep a home humming along. Match the apparatus name to its picture, then move on to the next photo.

Sonar Bat Deflector

Air Conditioning Vent

Dryer Vent

Attic Vent

Correct! That thing is the Attic Vent, which circulates a natural flow of outdoor air to ventilate the attic.

Incorrect! That thing is the Attic Vent, which circulates a natural flow of outdoor air to ventilate the attic.

What Is That Thing?

Test your knowledge about all those “things” that keep a home humming along. Match the apparatus name to its picture, then move on to the next photo.

Electric Meter

Water Meter

Gas Meter

Satellite Radio Receiver

Correct! That thing is the Gas Meter,which measures the amount of natural gas your home uses. Download this PDF for more information about gas meters.

Incorrect! That thing is the Gas Meter, which measures the amount of natural gas your home uses. Download this PDF for more information about gas meters.

What Is That Thing?

Test your knowledge about all those “things” that keep a home humming along. Match the apparatus name to its picture, then move on to the next photo.

Outdoor Air Freshener

Air Conditioning Vent

Attic Vent

Dryer Vent

Correct! That thing is the Dryer Vent, which expels hot, humid air during the clothes-drying process.

Incorrect! That thing is the Dryer Vent, which expels hot, humid air during the clothes-drying process.

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]]>http://blog.allstate.com/quiz-what-is-that-thing/feed/0Smart Tips for Savvy House-Huntinghttp://blog.allstate.com/video-house-hunting-tips/
http://blog.allstate.com/video-house-hunting-tips/#commentsWed, 03 Sep 2014 11:05:03 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=8923Looking for a new home can be exciting—and overwhelming. In order to properly assess the quality of a house, there are some key things you should check out early on as you’re going through a showing, before you put in an offer. Take a look at these videos featuring tips from a licensed home inspector to help you evaluate […]

Auto Insurance Basics & More

Take a look at these videos featuring tips from a licensed home inspector to help you evaluate different parts of the house, from the foundation all the way up to the roof. That way, you may be able to make a more informed decision about putting in an offer. Think of it as your own little pre-inspection.

Keep in mind, these are only a few of the items you should look at. Every house is different, so make sure to have your future home inspected by a professional home inspector before making that final decision to purchase. And, don’t forget, your real estate agent will also be a great resource to answer your questions and help you make the smartest decisions.

Disclaimer: These are only a few of the items you should look at when assessing the quality of a house. Every situation is different. You should make your purchase or other home buying decisions based on an inspection by a professional, licensed inspector.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/video-house-hunting-tips/feed/0Tornado Myths Debunkedhttp://blog.allstate.com/tornado-myths-debunked/
http://blog.allstate.com/tornado-myths-debunked/#commentsTue, 17 Jun 2014 11:00:28 +0000http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/05/26/tornado-myths-debunkedTornadoes can strike with little warning and transform a landscape within a matter of minutes. And while their damage can be deadly, so can the confusing myths about tornadoes that continue to put people at risk. Here are five commonly held misperceptions about twister safety. Myth #1: Opening windows to equalize air pressure will help […]

Tornadoes can strike with little warning and transform a landscape within a matter of minutes. And while their damage can be deadly, so can the confusing myths about tornadoes that continue to put people at risk.

Here are five commonly held misperceptions about twister safety.

Myth #1: Opening windows to equalize air pressure will help minimize damage.

Myth #2: The southwest corner of a basement is the safest place to seek shelter.

This used to be the prevailing belief because many tornadoes travel from southwest to northeast. In reality, the soundness and design of your building determines the safest area. The National Weather Service says you should take shelter in your basement under something sturdy, like a work bench.

Myth #4: Tornadoes only occur in late spring.

A tornado may occur at any time of day, and on any day of the year. However, tornadoes are most likely to occur in the late afternoon to evening during the warmer months between spring and early summer, when warm, humid air is more likely to collide with cold, dry air.

Myth #5: You can outrace a tornado in your car.

It’s best to avoid your car for several reasons during a tornado storm. Tornadoes can move 60 mph or more and shift directions erratically and without warning. Some tornadoes can move faster than cars, even when the road is clear and flat. Also, severe thunderstorms that produce tornadoes can also produce flooding, hail and strong winds in the area. Accuweather says that if you’re driving when a tornado hits, you should pull over somewhere safe and seek shelter indoors.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/tornado-myths-debunked/feed/120 Days to Ready: Map Out Your Route (Day 19)http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-evacuation-plan/
http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-evacuation-plan/#commentsSun, 04 May 2014 11:00:05 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=792620 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks. ASSIGNMENT: Make an Evacuation Plan If a hurricane, a wildfire or […]

]]>20 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks.

ASSIGNMENT: Make an Evacuation Plan

If a hurricane, a wildfire or other natural disaster threatened, and officials told you to evacuate, would you know where to go? Today’s task will help you make sure your answer is “yes.”

Though you might get a day or two of notice for evacuations due to a hurricane, for example, it’s possible that you’ll have to get out of town a lot faster for other natural disasters and threats.

If you live in a coastal area, where hurricanes are a common threat, a quick search online should point you to the local evacuation routes you need to familiarize yourself with. But, no matter where you live, you should decide on several destinations in different directions, and then mark those routes on a map you keep in your car.

Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes in your area. Many municipalities, counties and states post this information online.

Learn alternate routes, in case the main route is unavailable for some reason.

Know your options for alternative means of transportation.

If you don’t have a car, make emergency transportation arrangements with family or friends. Your local government may also have resources.

Remember to fill up on gas if there’s a chance you’ll have to evacuate. If you do leave, Ready.gov suggests that you take your emergency kit and leave a note at your house about where you’re going and when you left.

Click here to follow along with more “20 Days to Ready” emergency preparedness tasks.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-evacuation-plan/feed/020 Days to Ready: Know Where They’ll Be (Day 17)http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-choose-meeting-place/
http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-choose-meeting-place/#commentsFri, 02 May 2014 11:00:22 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=792020 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks. ASSIGNMENT: Pick an Emergency Meeting Spot When an emergency happens, the […]

]]>20 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks.

ASSIGNMENT: Pick an Emergency Meeting Spot

When an emergency happens, the last thing you want to do is play a frantic game of hide-and-seek with the people you care about most.

Take the time to gather your family now, and designate two meeting spots to use in case of an emergency: one just outside your home and one just outside your neighborhood, the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests.

The spot just outside your home can be useful in an emergency that forces you to escape your home (like a house fire), while the meeting place outside your neighborhood may come in handy in case your neighborhood is evacuated (due to a hurricane or other threat).

When you practice yourhome escape plan, practice using these emergency meeting spots as well, so that everyone is familiar with where to go to find one another.

Click here to follow along with more “20 Days to Ready” emergency preparedness tasks.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-choose-meeting-place/feed/020 Days to Ready: Plan Two Ways Out (Day 16)http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-escape-plan/
http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-escape-plan/#commentsThu, 01 May 2014 11:00:42 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=791620 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks. ASSIGNMENT: Make a Home Escape Plan Fire can spread rapidly through […]

]]>20 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks.

ASSIGNMENT: Make a Home Escape Plan

Fire can spread rapidly through a home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely after the alarm sounds, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). That’s why it’s important to plan your escape, and practice that plan with the whole family.

Walk through each room in your home, and identify two ways out of each room (windows, doors, etc.); be sure to test windows and doors to make sure they open easily.

Draw a floor plan of your home, marking each escape path, and share the plan with the family.

Assign a family member to help anyone in your house who needs assistance getting out (babies, individuals with special needs, etc.).

Consider buying escape ladders if you live in a two-story home — but only use them in an emergency, and following safety precautions. (The U.S. Fire Administration says to make sure you buy a ladder that has been evaluated by a recognized testing lab.)

Consider installing emergency release devices if any doors or windows have security bars over them.

Determine a safe place outside— a safe distance from the house itself — to meet once you’ve evacuated.

Practice your home escape plan now, and then again every six months; try to make it as realistic as possible. Waking up your kids for a nighttime drill can be especially effective at preparing them for an unexpected alarm, the NFPA says, but you may want to tell them about the drill before bedtime so they aren’t scared.

Click here to follow along with more “20 Days to Ready” emergency preparedness tasks.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-escape-plan/feed/020 Days to Ready: Select Your Safe Space (Day 15)http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-select-place-to-take-shelter/
http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-select-place-to-take-shelter/#commentsWed, 30 Apr 2014 11:00:45 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=790920 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks. ASSIGNMENT: Designate a Room to Use as a Storm Shelter Contrary […]

]]>20 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks.

ASSIGNMENT: Designate a Room to Use as a Storm Shelter

Contrary to what some kids may think, the safest place during a storm isn’t under the covers.

The National Weather Service (NWS) says the best place to take shelter from a tornado is completely underground — or as low as possible. So, use these tips from the NWS to identify the room that should become the go-to storm and tornado shelter in your home.

If you live in a house with a basement…

A basement is a good shelter in most cases, the NWS says. Be sure to pick a spot that isn’t situated under any heavy objects on the floor above. You may want to advise family members to get under a stairwell or a piece of sturdy furniture for additional protection. If the basement isn’t totally underground, find a spot that is away from outside doors or windows. If your home has a storm cellar, you should use it, the NWS says.

If your home doesn’t have a basement…

Even without a safe, underground space, you still have some options. Look for a small room in your home that is close to the ground, far inside the building, and away from doors, windows and outside walls, the NWS says. Some options may include:

Bathrooms

Closets

Hallways

Spaces beneath stairwells

In each case, the NWS says you should make sure the room you choose is not along an outside wall and doesn’t have windows or doors to the outdoors. And, if you are on the first floor of a two-story home, make sure you are not underneath any heavy furniture on the floor above.

Other considerations…

A specially built, reinforced tornado shelter in your home can be a good option, the NWS says. (Click here for information on building one, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency). If you’re an apartment dweller, and live on a higher floor, check with your property manager to see if there’s a reinforced shelter on the property. And if you live in a mobile home, find another designated safe spot. The NWS says there is no place in a mobile home that will keep you safe from a tornado.

No matter your situation, planning ahead and knowing where to go in case of a tornado can help you keep your family safe.

Click here to follow along with more “20 Days to Ready” emergency preparedness tasks.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-select-place-to-take-shelter/feed/020 Days to Ready: Decode the Weather (Day 14)http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-weather-watches-and-warnings/
http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-weather-watches-and-warnings/#commentsTue, 29 Apr 2014 11:00:28 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=790520 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks. ASSIGNMENT: Brush Up on Weather Watches, Warnings Between emergency sirens, the […]

]]>20 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks.

ASSIGNMENT: Brush Up on Weather Watches, Warnings

But you may want to brush up on your weather terms to better understand what all those watches and warnings mean. The following info from the National Weather Service can help you better respond when severe weather is approaching.

Thunderstorms

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Severe thunderstorms are possible in the area. When a watch is issued, you should stay informed and ready to act, the National Weather Service says.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe weather has been detected and reported, and there’s imminent danger. According to the American Red Cross, this means that you should take shelter.

Flooding

Flood/Flash Flood Warning: Flooding is already occurring (or will occur soon in your area). Be ready to evacuate, the Red Cross says. If you’re not indoors, head for higher ground.

Tornadoes

Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in the area. The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., says, when a watch is issued, you should review your plan for what to do during a tornado and make sure emergency supplies are on hand. Be ready to act quickly.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or detected. There’s imminent danger to life and property. Now is the time to move immediately to a basement, a storm cellar, a safe room or an interior room without windows, the Red Cross says.

Hurricanes/Tropical Storms

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch: Atropical storm watch indicates tropical storm conditions (winds between 39 and 73 mph) are possible within the watch area, while a hurricane watch notes that hurricane conditions (winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible. In both cases, watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of the storm, the National Hurricane Center says, so that you enough time to plan for action.

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning: Tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. At this point, complete your storm preparations, the National Hurricane Center says, and be ready to evacuate the area if directed by local officials.

Winter Storm Warning: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests that you take measures to keep your family safe, including staying indoors, avoiding driving and wearing proper protective clothing if you do need to go outside.

Click here to follow along with more “20 Days to Ready” emergency preparedness tasks.

]]>http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-weather-watches-and-warnings/feed/020 Days to Ready: Learn Life-Saving Skills (Day 13)http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-learn-life-saving-skills/
http://blog.allstate.com/20-days-to-ready-learn-life-saving-skills/#commentsMon, 28 Apr 2014 11:00:30 +0000http://blog.allstate.com/?p=790220 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks. ASSIGNMENT: Sign Up for CPR and First Aid Classes Once you […]

]]>20 Days to Ready is a series of simple, daily tasks to help you better prepare for emergencies and protect your family when disaster strikes. Follow along, day by day, and you’ll be more ready (for just about anything) in a few short weeks.

ASSIGNMENT: Sign Up for CPR and First Aid Classes

Once you call 911, it takes an average of 8 to 12 minutes for first responders to arrive, according to the American Red Cross. But with the proper training, there’s a lot you can do to help right on the spot—and that can make all the difference.